These youngsters from L.A. had never played outside their home city before (well, there was that one gig in Costa Mesa, but that’s kinda L.A. sphere of influence, and one stop in El Paso on the way to Austin). But their Replacements-like sensibilities went down well in the Live Music Capital of the World, complete with hooky guitar lines and creative, lead-guitarish bass. If they finally do make it to your town, don’t miss em.

Matthew E. White is a singer, songwriter, producer from Richmond, Va., who knows what it takes, from his numerous perspectives, to make a good record. His productions are huge and smart and the tunes range from relaxed and folky to get-up-and-dance gospel. His knowledge of the live dynamic seemed equally strong, his three instruments plus a percussionist making as big as sound as any heard on Austin’s Sixth Street.

Tuneful yet thrashy pop is Gold-Bears’ stock in trade. The Atlanta band has just one album to its name, 2011’s “Are You Falling in Love.” References from Superchunk to the New Pornographers are not out of place. They played their official SXSW showcase in an out-of-the-way club to a smallish crowd, but that didn’t slow their speed-strumming melodic assault.